The Crocs Conundrum: Popularity isn’t always pretty or harmless

EVERYONE who knows me knows I have a love-hate relationship with a certain type of footwear. Well, mostly hate. I’ve declared a playful vendetta against these shoes, much to the amusement of my friends. I’m talking about Crocs – you know, the ones with the duckbill shape and holes for your dignity to seep through. The official footwear of the "I give up on life" club.

Despite my exaggerated outrage, I’ll admit Crocs aren’t actually harmful (though they do commit egregious crimes against aesthetics and fashion). They’re just silly shoes. But what they represent in this story ties to a more profound point about popular trends and their unintended consequences.

Did you know Crocs made a cameo in the dystopian comedy “Idiocracy”? In the film, society has devolved into such absurdity that Crocs were chosen to symbolise collective stupidity. At the time, the wardrobe department needed a cheap, goofy-looking shoe that screamed “lack of intelligence.” Crocs, then obscure and unloved, fit the bill perfectly.

Fast-forward a few years, and these “stupid shoes” are now a global phenomenon, complete with bedazzled accessories called Jibbitz.

Here’s the kicker: no amount of fashion, marketing, or Jibbitz is going to convince me that Crocs aren’t ugly. Lelik bly mos lelik.

But this isn’t just about Crocs. It’s about the strange power of trends and how they shape what we accept, endorse, and even celebrate. What starts as goofy or innocent – like an ugly or silly shoe – can sometimes snowball into something more harmful when unchecked.

Take social media, for example. Influencers with massive followings often set the tone for trends, challenges, and jokes that can range from silly to downright dangerous. Many of these individuals thrive on clickbait and controversy, reaping rewards and investments as their followers grow.

But at what cost?

Consider the story of an influencer whose offensive antics gained him international notoriety. Ramsey Khalid Ismael rose to fame by posting shocking videos – provoking, insulting, and offending people around the globe. This 24-year-old’s “entertainment” led to bans, deportations, and finally, criminal charges in South Korea.

As of now, he faces years, maybe decades, in prison for his actions.

How did he gain such a platform? By capitalising on the human tendency to click, watch, and share – even when we know better.

This is where my vendetta against Crocs becomes more than just a joke. They’re a harmless metaphor for the need to be mindful of what we elevate, follow, and support. Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s good – or beautiful, or harmless.

So, before you “like,” “share,” or “subscribe,” ask yourself: is this trend, joke, or influencer contributing something of value, or is it just feeding into a cycle of negativity? As funny as Crocs may be, they serve as a reminder that not everything with mass appeal is worth endorsing.